Dear Family,
Thank you. Two simple words could never be enough to express to you how grateful and thankful I am for all of you and everything you have done for me. Here are just a few of the many words to describe why I love having a big family.
1. Selfies
What's better than 20 people trying to fit in a small phone selfie? Nothing. Big family selfies are the best selfies.
2. Embarrassment
How long does it take for all of your uncles to interview the new boyfriend you brought to the holiday party? And what about all the pictures that are posted on Facebook that you are definitely not looking your best in?
3. Craziness
Whether someone is trying to gather everyone to pray before dinner or exchanging Christmas presents, there is never a dull moment in a big family.
4. Weddings
Weddings are 10-times more fun when it's a big family wedding. Having your 18-plus cousins all on the dance floor singing and dancing to "The Wobble" might be one of the greatest moments.
5. Advice
Relationship advice? School advice? Fashion advice? Medical Advice? You're bound to have at least one of the 30 family members be an expert in each area.
6. Entertainment
In every family there's always the aunt that has to update their social media that they were with you, the cousins who force you to dress cute because you know there will be pictures, and the uncle who always gathers the whole family to play a big game of cards.
7. Automatic Best Friends And Bridesmaids
Whether you like it or not you're stuck with your family the moment you're born. From fighting over the last cookie to standing by you when you walk down the aisle, families give a whole new meaning to friendship. Like someone once said, "Cousins are your childhood playmates who turn into a forever friends."
8. Loyalty
Remember that one girl who treated you badly in the third grade? Yeah, your mom, dad, sister, brother, cousin, aunt, uncle and grandparents don't like her either. You have a certain feeling of protection when you come from a big family because you know they always have your back.
9. Acceptance
You know that one boy you brought home from college to the annual February Birthdays Party that everyone knew you were too good for? Yeah, your big family smiled and accepted him, but deep down they knew he wasn't the one for you.
10. Vacations
What happens when 30 members of a family all board a cruise together? You have the time of your life. From having a dance party on the pool deck to getting poured on the day you get to the island, vacations with a lot of family members is always a good time.
11. Reunions
Renting out pavilions at a park to accommodate not just your big family, but second cousins you never knew existed, and having to wear a certain color so others can tell which grandparent you belong to.
12. Love
Whenever in crisis, you know the people you can always count on for a shoulder to cry on is family. From keeping you in their prayers when you're sick to bringing you a pint of ice cream when you're having a rough day to helping you pick up the pieces after you've made a mistake, your family is always going to love you.
13. Hello And Goodbye
Think about all the times that you arrive at your cousins' house and she greets you with the world's biggest hug even if you saw each other the day before. Or when saying goodbye after a family event might take more than 10 minutes because you had to hug every single family member, but you love every second of it.
I love you all with all my heart and can't wait for the next family event.
Lauren (Cousin number 11? Can't even keep track.)
